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An 8th-grader at Capitan Middle School was arrested earlier this week after school officials received a report he was compiling a "kill list."

Capitan Police Chief Randy Spear applauded school officials for their handling of the incident.

"At no time were any students at the Capitan schools in harm's way, because the school did exactly what they were supposed to do," the police chief said. "Communication and cooperation between the police department and the school is excellent and they ensured the safety of the children who go to that school."

Spear said his office received a call early Monday from the school.

"When we arrived, we were informed by school officials they had a male subject detained in the principal's office," Spear said. "I was told the school had received information that the child was making a 'kill list.' I requested assistance from the district attorney's office and from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department."

The case was turned over to the Capitan Police Department by school officials for investigation, he said.

"I talked with (12th Judicial) District Attorney John Sugg and the children's attorney with the DA's office," Spear said. "Interviews were conducted at the school. A search warrant was prepared for the child's residence and an arrest warrant also was prepared for the child, both signed by the district judge. They were excuted Monday afternoon and the child was transported to the Chaves County Detention Center."

The 14-year-old boy was charged with assault with intent to commit a violent felony and interference with members of staff, public officials or the general public, trespass damage to property and misdemeanor penalties, Spear said.

A detention hearing was conducted Thursday in Carrizozo and the student was remanded to the custody of juvenile detention to undergo a psychological evaluation, the police chief said."

The case still is active and under investigation.

"I'm giving the DA information as I get it," Spear said.

"The Capitan School is a safe place," he said. "The administration and staff take the safety of the students as their number one priority. People still in the mindset that it can't happen in small town America (better deal with the reality) that it just did again. People need to listen to what their kids are telling them and pay attention, because kids are sending out red flags to their parents and the parents are ignoring them."

Capitan School Superintendent Sean Wootton posted a letter on the school district's Facebook page lauding the quick action of "smart-thinking students," who brought the situation to the attention of school officials. He noted the rapid response by the Capitan Police Department and emphasized that the safety of students is the number one priority for staff.